What they don't teach you about career fulfillment in school | Ryan Clements | TEDxKelowna

TEDx Talks

In this compelling TEDx talk, Ryan Clements shares a personal journey of transitioning from a stressed, unfulfilled lawyer to a passionate entrepreneur and writer. He challenges the traditional narrative of career success often taught in schools—focusing on outcomes like salary, prestige, and security—and instead argues for a values-based approach to finding work that matters. Through vivid storytelling about a pivotal moment of despair in a parking lot, Clements illustrates the difference between "push motivation" (driven by external rewards and fear) and "pull motivation" (driven by internal purpose and engagement). Key themes explored include the distinction between career outcomes versus consequences, the psychological concept of "flow," and the importance of aligning one's daily work with their unique personal values. Clements critiques the "do what you love" advice as sometimes impractical, suggesting instead that we find work that aligns with *who we are* and what we value, such as freedom, creativity, or problem-solving. He provides a framework for students to evaluate potential career paths based on intrinsic rewards rather than just external validation. For educators, this video serves as a powerful tool for career counseling, social-emotional learning, and life skills curriculum. It moves beyond standard aptitude tests to help students understand the internal drivers of satisfaction. It is particularly useful for high school and college students facing pressure to choose a path, offering them permission to prioritize mental well-being and personal alignment over societal expectations of success. The talk provides actionable questions students can ask themselves to gauge whether a potential career path will lead to genuine fulfillment.